Toy motor vehicle simulated steering wheel



Nov M, 11950 J. F. ALTER TOY MOTOR VEHICLE SIMULATED STEERING WHEEL Filed July 15, 1949 INVEN TOR ATTORNEYS Patented Nov. 14, 1950 TOY MOTOR VEHICLE SIMULATED Y STEERING WHEEL Julian F. Alter, Greeneville, Tenn.

Application July 13, 1949, Serial No. 104,417

3 Claims.

This invention relates to a toy in the form of a base on which a post and steering wheel are pivotally mounted, the post and wheel being so constructed and arranged that they simulate a motor vehicle post and steering wheel, for the use of children at play.

An important object of the invention is to provide a toy which may be used by children when executing the movements of a person operating or steering a motor vehicle.

Another object of the invention is to provide a device which may be adjusted to various angular positions adapting the device for use by children of various sizes.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a motor vehicle simulated control mechanism, wherein the steering wheel thereof may be moved to a position at one side of the post, the post being moved to a vertical position, providing a control mechanism representing the control mechanism of an airplane.

With the foregoing and other objects in view which will appear as the description proceeds, the invention consists of certain novel details of construction and combinations of parts hereinafter more fully described and pointed out in the claims, it being understood that changes may be made in the construction and arrangement of parts without departing from the spirit of the invention as claimed.

Referring to the drawing Figure 1 is a side elevational view of a toy constructed in accordance with the invention.

Fig. 2 is a sectional View taken on line 2-2 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a fragmental elevational view showing the wheel in dotted lines as moved to a position in parallel relation with the post on which the wheel is mounted.

Fig. 4 is a fragmental elevational view illustrating the manner of adjustably connecting the post to its supporting base.

Referring to the drawing in detail, the toy comprises a wide base 5 to the upper surface of which is secured the angle brace or attaching member 6 which is formed with an upstanding end portion 1 having teeth 8 formed in the outer surface thereof.

The reference character 9 indicates the hollow steering post into which the pin l0 extends and is secured, the pin It having the head ll formed with teeth I2 that cooperate with the teeth 8 in securing the post 9 in various angular positions with respect to the base 5.

A winged screw it extends through aligning openings in the end portion 1 and head H, the end portion 7 having its opening threaded to accommodate the screw, whereby the head may be drawn into close engagement with the end portion 1, securing the post in its positions of adjustment.

Extending transversely through the post adjacent to the upper end thereof, is the securing pin i l which also extends through an opening in the shank l5 of the head I6 which overlies the opening formed in the hub l! of the steering wheel I 8.

As clearly shown by Fig. 2 of the drawing, an annular inwardly extended flange I9 is formed within the hub H and is so arranged within the hub that it will contact with the upper end of the post 9 supporting the wheel in position. The hub H is hollowed so that it provides a housing for the coiled spring 28 that has its lower end resting on the flange I9, while the upper end thereof engages the head it normally urging the wheel to its active position.

Thus it will be seen that due to this construction, the wheel may be rotated by a child when executing the movements of the operator of a vehicle, thereby providinga toy which is exceptionally realistic and fascinating to operate.

As shown by Fig. 3 of the drawing, the post 9 is formed with a pair of transversely disposed openings 2! and 22 which openings are connected by the opening 23. Positioned within the post, is the tubular member 24 which is mounted for longitudinal sliding movement, there being provided a handle 25 connected with the member 24 and extended through the openings 2| and 22, for movement by the child using the device. This arm 25 is designed to simulate the arm and handle operating the gear shift rod of a motor vehicle.

Should it be desired to use the device as simulating the control mechanism of an airplane, the wheel is pulled against the action of the coiled spring 28, until the lower end of the hub clears the end of the post 9. The post is provided with a cut out portion 26 extending downwardly from the upper edge thereof, through which the shank l5 moves, allowing the Wheel to move to the dotted line position as shown by Fig. 3. The coiled spring will, when the wheel is in this position, act to hold the wheel tightly against the side of the post 9.

It will of course be understood that an adjustment with the wing screw l3 will be made so that the post may be moved to a vertical position simulating the wheel supported post of an airplane.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed is:

1. A toy of the class described, comprising a base, a simulated vehicle steering post, means for adjustably connecting the steering post to the base for angular adjustment with respect to the base, a steering Wheel mounted for rotary movement on the free end of the steering post, a spring member disposed within the hub of the steering wheel normally urging the steering wheel into close engagement with the end of the post restricting rotary movement of the steering wheel with respect to the post.

2. A toy of the class described comprising a base, a simulated vehicle steering post mounted on the base, said steering post being hollow, a steering wheel mounted on the upper end of the post, an internal annular flange forming a part of the hub of the steering wheel, said flange resting on the end of the post, a transversely extended pin mounted on the steering post at the upper end thereof, a headed shank connected with the pin, said shank extending through the hub of the wheel, the head thereof extending above the wheel, and being slidable within the hub, a coiled spring disposed between the flange and head of the shank, normally urging the wheel into engagement with the post, said post having a cut out portion extending inwardly from the upper edge thereof providing a clearance whereby the shank is moved laterally, the hub of the wheel contacting with the side of the post, and said spring restricting rotary movement of the wheel.

3. A toy of the class described, comprising a base, a simulated vehicle steering post mounted on the base, said post being hollow, a pin extending transversely through the post adjacent to the upper end thereof, said post having a cut out portion extending inwardly from the upper end thereof and terminating at a point adjacent to the pin, a shank pivotally mounted on the pin, a steering wheel mounted on the shank, said steering wheel having an inwardly extended flange resting on the free end of the post, a head on the outer end of the shank, a coiled spring disposed between the head and flange, normally urging the wheel into engagement with the post, and said wheel adapted to move longitudinally of the shank and swing laterally, the shank moving into the cut out portion of the post, holding the wheel in parallel relation with the post.

JULIAN F. ALTER.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date D. 155,823 Mann Nov. 1, 1949 1,780,855 Williams Nov. 4, 1930 1,910,455 Williams May 23, 1933 2,190,622 Bahn Feb. 13, 1940 2,446,721 Rothbardt Aug. 10, 1948 

